'Idol' Attraction to Open at Disney's Hollywood Studios

'Idol' Attraction to Open at Disney's Hollywood StudiosFebruary 7, 2008

PHOTO: AP/Disney

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced its plans Thursday to create an "American Idol" live performance show at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World in Florida.

"Our goal is to try to recreate the excitement of those 24 people who show up on that 'American Idol' stage," Disney Parks chairman Jay Rasulo told The Associated Press. "We believe many, many viewers want to know exactly how that feels, and we're going to try to reproduce that feeling for them."

Just like the television show, guests will be able to audition and perform in front of a live studio audience inside of the theater. The currently unnamed attraction is planned to open in late 2008 in the location of the current ABC-TV Theater. This location is the former home of "Doug Live!" and "Superstar Television" attractions.

"It is owned by us, so we can extend the brand in the off-air space in the ways that we want to," said Keith Hindle, FremantleMedia's licensing vice president. "We don't see this in any way as a NewsCorp. vs. Disney debate. That's never been part of the discussion, and it's not something that's relevant to us. It's just part of 'American Idol.'"

The details of the attraction are still being worked out, but will likely become something like this: Theme park guests ages 14 and up will be able to audition for a Disney casting producer. Guests who pass the test will appear in one of the park's "Idol" stage shows - approximately six to eight a day. Backstage the guests will receive hair and makeup treatment, much like the actual show.

Top audience favorites of each show will have the opportunity to participate in the grand finale show at the end of each day. Daily champs will receive a front-of-the-line pass to audition for the actual "American Idol" program.

While this pass will expedite an audition, it won't give them any special treatment during the audition. Also, since the ages vary for the Disney show and FOX program the pass may be passed on to a family member or a friend, hold the pass until they are old enough to complete, but it will not be for sale.

"Idol" stars may also make visits to the show throughout the year and collaborative merchandise is also planned.

"It's a very collaborative process," Hindle said. "Disney knows more about live stage productions that we ever will. We know more about our TV show that Disney ever will. Exactly how this will manifest it is something that will be mutually approved by all parties. We're looking to Disney to see how their guests like to be entertained."

Re: 'Idol' Attraction to Open at Disney's Hollywood Studios

*screams* NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why? Why? WHY?

On a calmer note, auditions do not belong in a Disney park. I've done lots of theatre, and when you do bad at an audition, you're depressed for the next few days, especially with singing. Does Disney want unhappy guests? What about the teenagers who think they can sing, but find out FROM DISNEY they can't? Bad show, bad show!

Re: 'Idol' Attraction to Open at Disney's Hollywood Studios

I'm really hoping they DON'T bring it to DCA. <_> I thought the show was on it's way towards cancellation, anyway. In any case...someone needs to boot Rasulo out of there, and FAST. >_O

yeah, this is not going to happen anytime soon. it still pulls the highest ratings of like, any show ever.

i think this is a really cool concept, and i hope it ends up successful. i hope they don't let through ANYONE who's bad enough to be laughed at, and that it's a good way for layperson singers to have a little fun. sounds WAY classier than a karaoke bar!

"And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by" (John Masefield)

Re: 'Idol' Attraction to Open at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Originally Posted by twobluestripes

yeah, this is not going to happen anytime soon. it still pulls the highest ratings of like, any show ever.

i think this is a really cool concept, and i hope it ends up successful. i hope they don't let through ANYONE who's bad enough to be laughed at, and that it's a good way for layperson singers to have a little fun. sounds WAY classier than a karaoke bar!

Agreed. And, depending on Idol's success and the shows own success at the studios, I'd love to see it at DCA.

Remember, Dreams come true!... and mermaids are hot, even on Halloween.